Mexico's new president takes a calculated turn to the left

Mexico's new president, Felipe Calderon, squeaked to victory in an
excruciatingly close race over leftist candidate Manuel Andres Lopez
Obrador. Only after a weeks-long recount of disputed ballots - and
street demonstrations by Obrador's followers - was Calderon certified
as the winner.

That was the easy part.

Now Calderon faces the daunting challenge of governing a nation
that, in addition to being split down the middle over the presidential
contest, is laden with an array of maladies - economic, political,
cultural - that would give pause to the most masterful of
statesmen.

Obviously, he has to contend with Obrador and company, who have
threatened to create a kind of shadow government. He must also reckon
with Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and other external enemies. Chavez
is in a massive snit over what he sees as slights against him by the
Calderon camp during the campaign. He said last week it would be
"impossible" for Venezuela to have a friendly relationship with a
Mexican government headed by Calderon.

However, Calderon is no fool. He has indicated that he is intent on
improving his standing with Mexico's downtrodden masses.

Last week, he presented a proposal for a universal health coverage
plan for the nation. That, if successfully implemented, could gain him
a lot of friends. So could other initiatives he believes could close,
at least to some extent, the yawning gap between Mexico's privileged
elite and its masses of impoverished citizens struggling for
survival.

Obrador and company will of course do all in their power to foil
Calderon's new strategy. However, if the new president can produce
results - and sooner rather than later - he just may gain enough
momentum to stave off his strident, and determined, opposition.